After-school alliance draws community organizations together at K-State Olathe for change

OLATHE -- Junk-Drawer Robotics and Balloon-Powered Cars are among the sessions being offered at the Kansas City Metro Afterschool Alliance Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Kansas State University Olathe, 22201 W. Innovation Drive.

K-State Olathe and One Health Kansas are teaming up with the Kansas Enrichment Network at the University of Kansas, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and Johnson County Parks and Recreation District to present the conference. The purpose is to train after-school program leaders in activities in science, math, engineering and technology, or STEM; physical activity; health; food safety; environmental service; and quality after-school programming best practices.

Conference presenters include experts in youth development from Kansas State University and KU, along with program directors from the YMCA, Johnson County Parks and Recreation District, Camp Fire national headquarters, Science Pioneers, Kansas PTA, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and BRR Architecture/U.S. Green Building Council. Two extended sessions will be offered from the National Partnership for Afterschool Science NPASS2 curriculum.

"The Kansas Enrichment Network at the University of Kansas has been pleased to develop a new partnership with Kansas State University through the Johnson County Education Research Triangle project," said Marcia Dvorak, executive director of the network. "K-State Olathe's educational programs in animal health, food safety and security blend well with the Kansas Enrichment Network's desire to increase science, technology, engineering and math -- STEM -- opportunities for children and youth both in school and in expanded learning time."